Now that the tide has been reversed, the Virginia men's basketball team will attempt to start a new streak tonight -- a winning streak. Virginia will travel to Atlanta to take on Georgia Tech at 7 p.m. at Alexander Memorial Coliseum.
Virginia (12-12, 2-9 ACC) is coming off a big road win at Boston College and will look to continue the momentum gained from its second conference victory. Georgia Tech (11-13, 4-6 ACC) has lost three straight games and will seek to get back on track against the Cavaliers.
The two teams met earlier this season at John Paul Jones Arena. The first matchup went Georgia Tech's way, as the Yellow Jackets used a strong second half and impressive play during overtime to pull out a 92-82 victory against the Cavaliers Jan. 27?. Georgia Tech senior guard Matt Causey put in a gutsy clutch-performance in the first game, scoring 12 of his 18 points in the second half and overtime periods to lift the Yellow Jackets to victory. Furthermore, senior guard Sean Singletary was limited to only 11 points on 5 of 19 shooting from the field. After Sunday's win against Boston College, Singletary recalled the Cavs' tough loss to the Yellow Jackets in January.
"We were in control of the game for the most part, and we just let up," Singletary said. "If we can put on a performance like [we did Sunday] and everybody can contribute, then we'll be in great shape."
Sunday's win at Boston College is not likely to have a great impact on Virginia's postseason hopes. At this point, the Cavaliers are an extreme long-shot to make the NCAA Tournament, and only if they win the ACC Tournament can they realistically hope to make the Big Dance. The victory against Boston College, however, will go a long way toward reversing the feelings of negativity and low self-esteem that surrounded the Cavaliers during their losing streak. Sports, as many people say, are mainly psychological. Therefore, Virginia's recent road win should work wonders on the confidence and determination of Virginia players. After Sunday's win, Virginia coach Dave Leitao spoke passionately about his team's vital win.
"They were happy, they were cheerful," Leitao said. "For me, it's probably more relief. It's been a very long few weeks for everybody."
He added that the team deserves the win, in which the team was emotionally invested.
"Now we've got to enjoy it," he said. "And then move on to Thursday night's game."
To defeat the Yellow Jackets tonight, Virginia will need to concentrate on shutting down Georgia Tech senior guard Anthony Morrow. Morrow is Georgia Tech's leading scorer
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